Hi All,
I have a client who has been diagnosed with Fibrocyctic Breast Disease.  She
has never been pregnant, but plans to have babies and BF in the future.  I
know that this will not be quite a BF question, but it is breast related so
hope I can get some help for this gal.  Also, if anyone has any resources
she can hook up with re: this disease/condition we would really be grateful.
OK, here is the situation:
Woman is 26 yrs old, in good health, has a regular 6 wk menstrual cycle.
Diagnosed with fibrocystic breasts, both breasts have several lumps, soft
and moveable.
In early April she was put on Prednisone for a bad case of Poison Oak.
First round was not successful at fully treating so she was put on a 2nd
round. 9both courses lasted 10 days)  Dr told her it may wack out her
hormones and affect her period.  A couple days after finishing the 2nd
course of Pred., her period started (on her normal schedule).  However, this
cycle was not normal. The bleeding was very heavy, to the point of almost
hemmorage (sp?) like.  Left her weak and anemic.  Dr put her on bed rest for
a few days and started her on supplemental iron. This period lasted about 8
days (normal is about 5).
6 wks later she has a normal period, right on schedule, but now she
developed a problem with the right breast.  Outer 1/2 of right breast
became swollen and developed a VERY painful lump.  Dr called it a "Blue
Gnome Cyst".  Next day, this "cyst" starts to drain from the nipple.  Fluid
is milky-to-clear with a mild salty taste.  The lump was evcrutiating, but
would go numb when touched.  Dr doesn't know what the fluid is, but says as
long as it is not yellow or green then to just leave it alone.  Does not
prescibe any antibiotics or test the fluid.  Says that she may be lactating
as a result of the Prednisone or that her body may think she is pregnant.
No pregnancy test is done, but woman is sure she is not.  After her period
ended, the right breast became swollen and tender again, she likened it to
engorgement after having a baby (her mother is an LC, so she (my client)
knows about this stuff).
2 wks later she has another "period", not on her usual schedule.  It lasts
about 5 days (is finishing up today with light spotting).  The cyst is still
draining, though it is less sore than last week.  There is still some
swelling.  The right breast is the only affected breast as far as this cyst
is concerned (but the left is also fibrous).
Dr wants to put her on hormonal BC pills to control the symptoms, but my
client is hesitant to do this.  Her Dr has said he does not know too much
about this condition.  (so why doesn't he learn before prescibing???)  I
don't know if he (Dr) is an OB or what.
Any ideas?  What type of questions should she be asking?  Is there cause for
alarm?  Thr Dr said that the lumps weren't cancerous, but I am not sure how
he came to that conclusion.  Are there any good web sites that we can access
for more info?  What info can you give to us?
TIA!!!
Jay
Jay Simpson, CLE
Sacramento, CA
Mama Milk is the Greatest!